Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

I found 1-1/4" stainless steel tubing at Summit Racing to finish up my upper hose. should have it by Wednesday.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Cool. Can't wait to see it.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

I met Anthony painter #3. his pricing is in line with painter #2. he said I can bring my truck in 3 to 5 weeks. I gave him deposit to lock in getting it started. He has 10 cars and truck in his shop 3 leaving with in 1 to 2 weeks. 2 are touch up paint work. 1 some truck part he just painted Wednesday. He said 4 to 6 months to complete my truck.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

The stainless steel radiator tube I bough was too small in dia. I though I was buying 1-1/4" and it measured 1-3/16". I need 1-3/8" and having hard time finding one. I might have to us one of my friend card and have one bent to fit.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Just from experience get this in writing.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Tuesday last week painter # 3 sent me a text he wants my truck this week. I work Saturday and put the bed and cab back on the dollies loaded my truck with the front end parts. rented a trailer for Tuesday to load up and deliver to Vacaville Wednesday. I was planning on middle to end of May.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Good to hear. Hopefully he does it and everything goes smoothly!

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

3rd time is the charm! Thinkin there's colour in your future! ;)

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Finally found stainless steel upper radiator tube that fit the rubber hose. the 1-1/4" measured 1-3/16" picked up 1-3/8" with 90 degree bend and had 3" cut off one end and orbital welded on. Thanks to Tim for welding it for me.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

I delivered my sheet metal to Anthony early this morning. I stopped to add 2 straps as the cab was moving around on the trailer all parts made it safe 1 hour 40 minute drive.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

I painted RC car body to get an idea how the paint will look.
going with 2017 Chevrolet SS Orange Blast Metallic and Black

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Good to see your project moving forward! :metal:

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Nice paint scheme. There's your drive line and power train for the crew cab in post 635. :lol:

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Hay Dieselwrencher
I'm not ripping apart my Cummins to install it in my 71. I did try to find a wrecked Duramax but it was more than I was able to spend. some day I might be able to.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

I hear ya there. Those wrecked Duramaxes are bringing too much money for me too. I don't blaim you for not ripping a high dollar dodge apart. :lol:

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

My painter Anthony has started working on my truck. That's the good news. The bad news is he found rust in the bed sides and BONDO 3/4" think. So I decided to buy 2 new bed sides and remove the one I have. This will set me back weeks work and $2,200.00 in parts and labor. The cab had a small are above the passenger door in the rain gutter area that rust was found. The primer blew off with air gun after sanding due to the rust. The cab required a lot of blocking and reworking some areas to get it read to paint. some pictures of the rust found, right, left cab sides and roof. This is a learning curve for me I wish I had met Anthony when the body work started. Having someone do the metal work and body work. Then different guy finish and paint is costing me a lot of money. At least the issues are found now instead of later after painting.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

https://youtu.be/OJ2ZrbEab2E
video of how thick the Bondo is on the right side of the bed.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Holy crap that's a lot of Bondo! I looked at several beds and decided I just find the best and work on it or buy new bed sides. Found a decent bed from a 72 but it has damage in the same area your bondo was but only had about 1/8".
Glad your getting it ready for paint. Can't wait to see it complete.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Good to see your project is moving forward, looks like the new guy understands quality workmanship! :metal:

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Better to find the hidden stuff now than after paint, I'd give kudos to the painter.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

That does stink, but at least he has found it and is fixing it right. It'll last you a lot longer that way. That sure is a lot of mud in the bed! I bet it'll be easier to install now though. Haha

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Smart painter, knows his stuff and better now than again soon.
Mudman.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

Things are moving along good now in a forward direction. the cab is ready for final priming and blocking. GMC Paul shipped the new bed side a week earlier than planed. just have to swap out the bedsides and weld in the gas tank door.

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

It'll be painted before you know it! :metal:

Re: 71 4X4 Frame off Restoration
 

In the 1 picture you can see how thick the bondo is. the old bead side have been removed ready to install the new sides.